BC Forest Fires: Here’s What We Know This Morning

Number of fires: More than 173 fires were reported on Friday alone, with fire crews battling 183 blazes across the province at one point on Saturday.

Locations: Crews focused Saturday on the largest fires that forced thousands from their homes in the communities of Ashcroft, Cache Creek, 100 Mile House, 105 Mile House, 108 Mile House and 150 Mile House.

Firefighters on scene: 1,000, supported by heavy equipment and helicopters. An additional 600 personnel were backing them up, plus another 200 contractors. Another 260 firefighters were coming from other parts of Canada.

Evacuees: Precise numbers for the entire province were not released, but the Cariboo Regional District estimates as many as 6,000 people were forced from their homes.

Structures burned: Officials have not released figures, but Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta said a fire burning between Ashcroft and Cache Creek destroyed dozens of buildings, including at least five houses, 30 trailer park homes and two hangars at a regional airport. Eight of the fires burning in the province were threatening homes or other structures.

Fire sizes: The three major fires near 100 Mile House, Cache Creek and the Williams Lake airport range in size from 14 to 20 square kilometres.

John Rustad, B.C.’s minister of forests, lands and natural resources operations, said 260 firefighters from across Canada are due to arrive in the province by Monday or Tuesday. Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said his province was sending three aircraft and 30 firefighters.

Police from the Vancouver area headed to the region to help, and B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Morris said it may become necessary to call in the military.